The Etches Collection
Discover the wonders of Jurassic marine life at The Etches Collection, home to an unparalleled fossil display including the 'Sea Rex' pliosaur skull.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
The Etches Collection
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the wonders of Jurassic marine life at The Etches Collection, home to an unparalleled fossil display including the 'Sea Rex' pliosaur skull.
"An absolutely brilliant museum showcasing an incredible range of Jurassic marine fossils."
🎯 Pliosaur Skull Viewing
The Pliosaur skull is a major highlight; check for special viewing times or potential queues.
👟 Fossil Hunting Gear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Kimmeridge Bay for your own fossil finds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Pliosaur Skull
Main Exhibition Hall
Marvel at the most complete Jurassic pliosaur skull ever found, a true 'Sea Rex' that dominated ancient oceans.
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Steve Etches' Fossil Collection
Throughout the museum
Explore over 40 years of local fossil hunting, showcasing an incredible array of Jurassic marine life.
Interactive Displays
Various locations
Engage with animations and informative labels that bring prehistoric marine life to life for all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for the Pliosaur
Combine with Kimmeridge Bay
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pliosaur Skull Viewing
The Pliosaur skull is a major highlight; check for special viewing times or potential queues.
👟 Fossil Hunting Gear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Kimmeridge Bay for your own fossil finds.
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Convenient free parking is available directly at the museum.
🎟️ Tickets Valid 12 Months
Your ticket allows re-entry for a full year – great for repeat visits!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pliosaur Skull Viewing
The Pliosaur skull is a major highlight; check for special viewing times or potential queues.
👟 Fossil Hunting Gear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Kimmeridge Bay for your own fossil finds.
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Convenient free parking is available directly at the museum.
🎟️ Tickets Valid 12 Months
Your ticket allows re-entry for a full year – great for repeat visits!
🍽️ Picnic or Pub Lunch
Consider a picnic or the pub opposite; other dining options are limited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Etches Collection for its stunning and well-presented Jurassic marine fossils, especially the remarkable Pliosaur skull. The friendly staff and interactive elements make it engaging for all ages, with many highlighting the value of 12-month ticket validity and free parking. Some note that dining options nearby can be pricey, suggesting picnics as an alternative.
"An absolutely brilliant museum. The Etches Collection showcases an incredible range of Jurassic marine fossils, all collected over 40+ years by local fossil hunter Steve Etches. The displays are beautifully presented, with interactive elements and fascinating insights into prehistoric life.
As a history teacher with a strong interest in natural history, I found it genuinely inspiring—especially with the new Natural History GCSE on the horizon. A huge thanks to my friend Ben, one of Steve’s colleagues, for the insightful tour and stories behind the collection.
A must-visit if you're in Dorset—perfect for families, fossil fans, and anyone curious about our prehistoric past!"
Alex Layzell
"Small but unique collection of prehistoric marine fossils. Friendly staff on hand to answer questions.
Free parking on site.
Most of the exhibition is upstairs but there is a lift available for disabled access.
Tickets valid for 12 months.
Excellent restaurant/cafe located opposite."
Colin Browne
"Took our grandchildren to see the collection. Good layout, the children loved the animations up near the ceiling, and the explanatory labels were excellent. Highly recommend watching the BBC documentary on the discovery of the plesiosaur head prior to going.
Take a picnic; the pub restaurant across the road is ridiculously expensive and there is literally nothing else there."
Mrs C Milnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Etches Collection is located in Kimmeridge, Dorset. It's accessible by car, with free parking available on-site. Public transport options are limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the museum.
Yes, it can be a long day trip from London (around 3-4 hours drive each way), but many visitors make the journey to see the unique fossils. Consider staying overnight in Dorset for a more relaxed experience.
Driving is the most common method. The roads can be narrow and winding as you approach Kimmeridge.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are reasonable, and they are valid for 12 months, allowing for repeat visits. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
Tickets can typically be purchased on the day, but booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want to guarantee entry during busy periods or for specific events.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or families is usually available on their website. Consider Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, as it helps support the museum.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, most of the exhibition is upstairs, but there is a lift available for disabled access, ensuring everyone can enjoy the collection.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The star attraction is the incredibly well-preserved Pliosaur skull, often referred to as 'Sea Rex', discovered locally.
Absolutely! Children often love the interactive animations and the fascinating fossils. It's a great place to spark their interest in natural history.
Photography for personal use is generally permitted, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the collection, but you could easily spend longer if you engage with all the interactive elements or combine it with a trip to Kimmeridge Bay.
Kimmeridge Bay is famous for its fossil hunting opportunities. You can also enjoy the coastal scenery and rock pools.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the museum itself may not have extensive dining facilities, there is an excellent restaurant/cafe located opposite the museum.
There's a pub/restaurant across the road, and the village of Kimmeridge offers a few options. Some visitors recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy the scenery.
Some reviews suggest the pub restaurant can be expensive, so packing a picnic or checking menus beforehand is advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
The Pliosaur skull is a must-photograph subject. The well-lit displays of ammonites, ichthyosaurs, and other marine fossils also make for great shots.
It's best to check the museum's policy on flash photography, as it can sometimes damage delicate exhibits.
Yes, the coastal scenery around Kimmeridge Bay offers stunning photographic opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum features interactive animations and engaging labels that make learning about fossils fun and accessible for younger visitors. Consider combining your visit with a trip to Kimmeridge Bay for some supervised fossil hunting, which can be an exciting hands-on activity. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options can be limited or pricey. The 12-month ticket validity is also a great perk for families who might want to revisit.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the museum itself has an admission fee, the opportunity to explore Kimmeridge Bay for free fossil hunting adds to the overall budget-friendly appeal of the area.
🤓 Fossil Enthusiasts & Paleontology Buffs
+1 Steve Etches' personal collection offers a unique insight into the paleontological richness of the Dorset coast, with many fossils found locally. The museum provides detailed information and context for each exhibit, satisfying a deep curiosity about Jurassic marine life. The chance to explore Kimmeridge Bay for personal fossil hunting afterwards is an added bonus for those eager to discover their own pieces of prehistory.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Star of the Show: The Pliosaur Skull
+1 The discovery was even featured in the BBC documentary 'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster,' bringing global attention to the museum and its local finds. This incredible fossil represents a formidable predator from the Jurassic period, a true 'Sea Rex' that would have dominated the ancient oceans. The meticulous work involved in excavating it from a cliff face highlights the dedication and passion of fossil hunters.
Visitors are captivated by its sheer size and the detail preserved, offering a tangible connection to a prehistoric world. Seeing this skull is a primary reason many people visit The Etches Collection. It's a testament to the rich paleontological heritage of the Dorset coast and the invaluable contribution of local collectors like Steve Etches.
Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
When exploring for fossils, it's crucial to be aware of safety guidelines. Always wear sturdy footwear, as the terrain can be uneven and slippery.
Many visitors find that combining a visit to The Etches Collection with an afternoon of fossil hunting at Kimmeridge Bay makes for a perfect day out. It offers a hands-on experience that complements the curated displays within the museum, providing a deeper appreciation for the geological history of the region.
The Vision of Steve Etches
Etches' vision was to create a museum that not only showcases these incredible specimens but also educates the public about the ancient marine ecosystems of Dorset.
The museum's success is a testament to his dedication. The recent international attention from the Pliosaur skull discovery further solidifies the importance of his work and the value of The Etches Collection as a vital educational and cultural resource.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit